Refillable multi-dose applicator

Abstract

Applicator (1) comprising: - a refill (2) in the form of a bottle suitable for receiving a fluid intended to be applied by dose, the bottle extending into a neck (21), - a flow assembly (3) comprising a ring (30) and an applicator tip (31), characterized in that the neck (21) of the bottle and the ring (30) each have means of cooperation and in that the ring (30) has means of temporary closure, configured so that the refill (2) adopts: - a high position in the ring (30), so as to prohibit the passage of the fluid from the refill to the applicator tip (31), - a low position in the ring (30), so as to allow the passage by gravity of the fluid from the refill (2) to the applicator tip (31), and in that the volume of the applicator tip (31) is shaped to correspond to the volume of a dose of fluid. Figure for the abridged version: [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Rechargeable multi-dose applicator technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of applicators used in particular for applying products to the skin, scalp, or hair. These products may include serums, creams, or other skincare products, perfumes, or makeup, when applied to the skin. On the scalp, applicators are used to dispense hair dyes or other treatments. In all cases, the applicators of the invention are used to dispense precise quantities of products, particularly in the form of doses. Prior art

[0002] Cosmetic products are increasingly subject to ecological and economic constraints, which have led to the use of reusable containers or containers made from recyclable materials. However, the solutions available to date are not satisfactory.

[0003] For example, long-term hair or dermatological treatments are generally marketed in kits containing as many bottles or containers as there are days of treatment. Such kits generate significant quantities of used plastic or glass, which is incompatible with environmental and economic constraints.

[0004] Devices for adjusting the dose of product applied have also been developed to compensate for the use of single-dose containers. Such devices are described, for example, in documents FR3112272A1 or EP1387801A1.

[0005] None of the proposed solutions are satisfactory insofar as they continue to generate waste and do not allow the distribution of precise doses.

[0006] Thus, the problem that the invention proposes to solve is that of developing a multi-dose applicator which allows the distribution of precise doses in order to reduce the number of bottles or containers needed, for example, but not limited to, in the context of hair care.

[0007] Another problem that the invention aims to solve is that of developing an applicator without risk to the user of applying more than the required dose.

[0008] Another problem that the invention aims to solve is that of developing an applicator that is simple to use and easy to manufacture. Description of the invention

[0009] To achieve this, the Applicant has developed an applicator comprising: - a refill in the form of a bottle suitable for receiving a fluid intended to be applied by dose, the bottle extending into a neck, - a flow assembly comprising a ring and an applicator tip.

[0010] The applicator is characterized in that the neck of the bottle and the ring each have means of cooperation and in that the ring presents means of temporary closure, configured so that the recharging adopts: - a high position in the ring, so as to prevent the passage of fluid from the refill to the applicator tip, - a low position in the ring, so as to allow the fluid to pass by gravity from the refill to the applicator tip.

[0011] The applicator is also characterized in that the volume of the applicator tip is shaped to match the volume of a fluid dose.

[0012] According to the invention, the refill is by definition removable, that is to say, it can be detached from the flow assembly to be replaced by a new refill. The same flow assembly can therefore be reused with new pre-filled refills.

[0013] Furthermore, according to an essential feature of the invention, the volume of the applicator tip is shaped to correspond to the volume of one dose of fluid. In other words, the tip is designed to hold only a single dose of fluid. Thus, overdosing is impossible.

[0014] Finally, since the fluid flows by gravity, the applicator does not require the presence of a pump, which simplifies the process and also makes it less expensive.

[0015] To allow for visualization of the doses, the refill has engraved or decorative graduations. The graduations may correspond to doses, volumes, or even temporal criteria such as type, hour, day, etc., depending on the application. The graduations are generally numbers increasing from the bottom of the bottle, at the neck end, upwards.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, each graduation corresponds to a quantity equivalent to a dose of fluid. This dose of fluid is in practice between 1 and 20 mL, preferably between 3 and 10 mL, again depending on the intended applications.

[0017] By way of example, and as mentioned above, some prior art hair treatments are presented in the form of kits containing a number of refills equal to the number of treatment days. For example, if a treatment lasts one month, the kit will contain thirty refills.

[0018] According to the invention, and by way of comparison, each refill corresponds, for example, to 7 days of treatment, marked from 1 to 7 on the bottle. The gap between each marking corresponds, for example, to a volume of 7 ml. With 4 refills instead of 30, the present invention makes it possible to considerably reduce the volume of waste.

[0019] In practice, the free end of the refill neck is fitted with a removable closure means, before it is engaged with the ring, to prevent any fluid leakage. This closure means may be a cap, a stopper, a closure device, or any other device for sealing the refill. The removable closure means is removed before assembling the refill with the ring.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, the refill, the applicator tip, and the ring are made of a polymeric plastic material, which may be identical or different from one component to another. Examples of polymeric plastic materials include polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester copolymers such as glycol-modified PET (PET-G), and mixtures thereof. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) such as thermoplastic copolyesters may also be included. These plastic materials may be derived from recycling processes such as recycled PP (rPP), recycled PET (rPET), or recycled polyethylene (rPE), or from bio-based materials.

[0021] In this case, the component parts of Tappliteur are shaped by injection molding, for example by bi-injection, or by blow molding, for example by injection-blowing.

[0022] In another embodiment, the refill bottle is made of glass while the neck of the bottle is made of plastic material.

[0023] To lock or unlock the applicator, the bottle neck and the ring each have means of cooperation allowing relative movement of one with respect to the other.

[0024] In one particular embodiment, this is a bayonet-type cooperation system. Other cooperation systems can be considered, such as a screw-on or clip-on system.

[0025] More specifically, the cooperation means of the neck of the bottle are in the form of at least two horizontal grooves, each interrupted by a first vertical groove opening at the free end of the neck, each horizontal groove extending, at one of its ends, by a second vertical groove oriented in the opposite direction to that of the first vertical groove, i.e. in the direction of the refill.

[0026] In parallel, the means of cooperation of the ring are in the form of at least two lugs positioned on the inner wall of said ring.

[0027] In practice, the lugs fit into the corresponding grooves of the neck to ensure a low or high position of the refill relative to the ring as will be explained later.

[0028] Preferably, the lugs are diametrically opposed to each other. In practice, there are two or more of them. The number of lugs is at most equal to the number of first vertical grooves provided at the neck.

[0029] To allow the passage from a low position of the refill in the ring to a high position, the ring has elastic means capable of vertically moving the vertical grooves of the neck relative to the lugs, by spring effect.

[0030] Preferably, the elastic means are in the form of blades positioned in the ring so as to be in contact with the rim of the neck. In practice, the number of spring blades is between 2 and 12, depending on the force required to raise the refill to the upper position.

[0031] To allow the fluid to flow from the bottle to the nozzle, the ring has temporary sealing means. These sealing means allow / prevent the fluid from flowing from the bottle to the applicator nozzle.

[0032] In practice, the temporary sealing means are in the form of a truncated cone whose wall is perforated to allow the passage of fluid in the lower position of the refill in the ring, the cone having a small base and a large base, the large base being connected to the wall of the ring.

[0033] To ensure primary sealing when the refill is in the raised position, and thus prevent fluid from flowing from the bottle to the nozzle, the bottle neck is fitted with a central skirt extending its opening, and the wall of the truncated cone has, near its small base, a raised rim also referred to as a "sealing bead." In practice, the seal is achieved by contact between the sealing bead and the central skirt.

[0034] To ensure secondary sealing when the refill is in the raised or lowered position, and thus prevent the fluid from flowing outside the temporary sealing means, in practice between the outside of the cone and the wall of the ring, as it passes from the bottle to the nozzle, the wall of the bottle neck extends into a peripheral skirt surrounding the central skirt, and the large base of the truncated cone extends radially into an upper cylindrical ring. Secondary sealing is thus ensured by contact between the peripheral skirt and the outside of the wall of the upper cylindrical ring, in both the raised and lowered positions of the refill.

[0035] To take into account the length of the peripheral skirt and in a particular embodiment, the upper cylindrical ring extends at the right side of its wall by a lower cylindrical ring forming a cup, which is connected to the wall of the ring by a horizontal part.

[0036] Advantageously, the applicator tip and the ring are in the form of two separate parts joined by gluing, screwing, clipping, welding, or any other fastening technique. Advantageously, the tip has means ensuring the sealing of the end-ring junction, in the form of a retaining ring and a sealing skirt.

[0037] In a first particular embodiment, the applicator tip has an external surface comprising at least one flexible support area. Pressure applied to the flexible support area causes the internal volume of the tip to decrease. This generates internal pressure, leading to the evacuation of the fluid through a drainage orifice located on the external part of the tip. In practice, this flexible support area is made of thermoplastic elastomer. Advantageously, the flexible support area is made of a material different from that of the applicator tip. The flexible support area may be an added component on the applicator tip.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the external surface comprises two diametrically opposed bearing areas made of flexible plastic material.

[0039] In a second embodiment, the applicator tip is made of flexible plastic material and does not include a flexible support area. In this case, the applicator tip is squeezed directly to allow the fluid to flow.

[0040] To allow the application of the fluid to the skin, for example, the applicator tip may include at its free end a roll-on type part, a foam part, a spatula, a swab, or a brush. The free end may have a cold part, for example a roll-on in the form of a stainless steel ball, providing tightening properties.

[0041] In practice, the applicator includes a cap designed to cover the applicator tip between uses. Advantageously, the cap has a flat base at its lower end, allowing the applicator to be positioned vertically on a given surface. In this way, and as will be explained later, the user can dispense the product into the tip with just one hand by pressing the refill. The cap also protects the tip. Finally, it provides an additional sealing element in case of leakage from the tip, and generally protects the tip from the external environment, particularly during transport or storage.

[0042] The invention also relates to a kit comprising separately the applicator according to the invention and at least one additional refill.

[0043] The invention also relates to the use of the applicator according to the present invention for the application of skincare, cosmetics, perfume, or makeup. The application can be made to the hair or skin, for example. Advantageously, the fluid applied is a liquid, a cream, a serum, an oil, or a gel. Brief description of the drawings

[0044] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples.

[0045] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the elements of the applicator according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0046] Fig. 2 is a front view showing in detail the recharging, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0047] The [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view along axis AA of the recharge of the [Fig.2].

[0048] Figure 4 is a front view of the ring, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0049] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view along axis AA of the ring of Fig. 4.

[0050] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the applicator tip according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0051] Fig. 7 is a view along an axis AA of the applicator according to an embodiment of the invention, where the refill is in the upper position.

[0052] The [Fig.8] is a view along axis AA of the applicator of the [Fig.7], where the refill is in the lower position.

[0053] Figures 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d and 9e are cross-sectional views of the applicator according to an embodiment detailing the means of cooperation of the neck and the ring. Detailed description of the drawings

[0054] The elements of an applicator 1 according to the invention are shown in [Fig. 1], and consist of a cylindrical refill 2, a flow assembly 3 and a hood 4.

[0055] The refill 2 comprises a body 20 defining an internal volume suitable for receiving a fluid. The refill 2 has graduations on its outer wall that delimit the volume of doses to be applied according to the use. The refill 2 extends into a cylindrical neck 21 centered on an axis Z, and terminates in a conical portion 22, the diameter of which is smaller than that of the body 20.

[0056] With reference to [Fig.2], the neck opening 21 is designated by reference numeral 23. Near its free end, the neck 21 comprises on its outer wall two horizontal grooves 24, each interrupted by a first vertical groove 27 opening at the free end of the neck 21. Each horizontal groove 24 extends, at one of its ends, into a second vertical groove 25 oriented in the opposite direction to that of the first vertical groove 27. Each horizontal groove 24 extends, at its end opposite the vertical groove 25, into a stop 26.

[0057] The two horizontal grooves 24 are positioned so as to be diametrically opposed. There are two of them as shown, but their number may be greater.

[0058] The horizontal grooves 24 and vertical grooves 25, 27 constitute a removable bayonet-type fixing system with two lugs that the ring presents as will be seen later.

[0059] The pictogram 210 in the form of two vertical downward and aligned arrows are inscribed on the collar 21 and positioned above the first vertical grooves 27. They allow the user to position the refill 2 in relation to the ring which has corresponding pictograms, as will be detailed later.

[0060] With reference to [Fig.3] representing a view of the refill 2 along the AA axis, the conical portion 22 of the neck 21 extends at its free end by a central skirt 28 and from its wall by a peripheral skirt 29, of cylindrical shape centered on the Z axis.

[0061] The flow assembly 3 as shown in [Fig. 1] comprises a ring 30 and an applicator tip 31. According to the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 6, the ring 30 and the tip 31 are two separate parts, manufactured using separate molds. However, although technically more complex, the two elements can be manufactured as a single piece.

[0062] With reference to [Fig. 4], the ring 30 is substantially cylindrical in shape, centered around the Z-axis. Its upper part has three pictograms 300, 301, and 302. The first two, 300 and 301, are vertical arrows pointing in opposite directions. They indicate to the user the position of the refill relative to the ring. The third pictogram, 302, is a padlock and indicates that the applicator 1 is locked. Of course, the location and shape of the pictograms may vary depending on the operating instructions.

[0063] With reference to [Fig. 5], the ring has a side wall 304 and two open ends 303 and 305. The ring is also provided with a means for temporarily blocking the flow of fluid from the refill to the applicator tip. This blocking means ensures the passage of fluid in the unblocked position and the sealing of the system in the blocked position. It is in the form of a truncated cone 307 having a small upper base 3073 and a large lower base 3074. The small base 3073 is bordered near its open end by a sealing ring 3070. The large base 3074 of the truncated cone 307 extends radially into an upper cylindrical ring 3071.The upper cylindrical ring 3071 extends downwards, at the wall, into a lower cylindrical ring 3072 intended to be in contact with the peripheral skirt 29 of the neck, in the lower position of the refill, the lower cylindrical ring 3072 extending into a horizontal portion 3075 connecting to the lateral wall 304 of the ring. In the upper position of the refill, the peripheral skirt 29 is in . contact with the upper cylindrical ring 3071. From the horizontal part 3075 of the ring emerge leaf springs 308.

[0064] With reference to [Fig. 6], the surface of the applicator tip 31 has two diametrically opposed flexible bearing areas 310. In the embodiment as shown, the tip 31 has an open flow orifice 311 and a skirt 312 with a retaining ring 313, both intended to be assembled with the free end 303 of the ring. The two elements are joined by snapping. The seal of the tip-ring junction is ensured by contact between the outer surface of the lower ring and the inner surface of the tip, at its free end 314 as shown [Fig. 6].

[0065] By applying pressure to the soft support areas 310, the fluid contained in the applicator tip 31 is forced towards the flow orifice 311 located at the end of the tip 31. The user can then spread the fluid, in particular on the skin.

[0066] With reference to [Fig. 1], the flat base 40 of the cap 4 advantageously allows the applicator 1 to be placed in a vertical position on a flat surface used as a support to apply the pressure necessary to move the refill 2 from the upper to the lower position. However, the presence of the cap 4 is not essential for using the applicator 1. The flat base 40 also allows the applicator 1 to be positioned upside down on a surface, to facilitate its storage or handling.

[0067] With reference to [Fig. 7], the applicator 1 is shown when the refill 2 is in its raised position. The spring blades 308 are in contact with the rim 23. In addition, the central skirt 28 is in contact with the sealing ring 3070 of the truncated cone 307, which provides a primary seal preventing fluid from entering the applicator tip 31. Simultaneously, the peripheral skirt 29 is in contact with the outer wall of the upper cylindrical ring 3071, which provides a secondary seal preventing, in particular, the flow of liquid into the basin formed at the level of the lower cylindrical ring 3072.

[0068] When the refill 2 moves from the upper to the lower position by pressure exerted by the user, the central skirt 28 releases the openings of the truncated cone 307 and positions itself in the cavity formed by the upper cylindrical ring 3071, as illustrated in [Fig. 8], allowing a dose of fluid to flow from the internal volume of the refill 2 to the applicator tip 31. The peripheral skirt 29 slides and fits into the cavity formed at the level of the lower cylindrical ring 3072, thus maintaining the secondary seal. The rim 23 then exerts pressure on the spring blades 308, which deform.

[0069] To return to the high position, the user interrupts the pressure exerted on the refill 2 and the spring blades 308 push back the drinking tube 23, causing the refill 2 to rise.

[0070] The operating mechanism of the cooperation means of the neck 21 of the bottle and the ring 30 and more generally of the device of the invention is detailed in figures 9a to 9e.

[0071] With reference to Figures 9a and 9b, to engage the refill 2 with the ring 30, the user must align the pictogram 210 on the refill 2, as shown in [Fig. 2], with the pictogram 301 on the ring 30, as shown in [Fig. 4]. In other words, the user angularly positions the first vertical groove 27 with the lug 306, and then inserts the lug 306 into the horizontal groove 24.

[0072] Once the insertion has been carried out as shown in [Fig.9c], the upward movement of the lug 306 is blocked in the horizontal groove 24 by the stop 26. The user, in order to block the system, i.e. to prevent the passage of fluid from the refill to the applicator, then rotates the refill 2 relative to the ring 30 so as to align the pictogram 210 with the padlock-shaped pictogram 302 of the ring 30.

[0073] The locked state allows the applicator 1 to be transported without risking that the refill 2 will move to the lower position and cause the fluid to flow to the nozzle 31.

[0074] To allow the fluid to flow to the nozzle, the user must first rotate the refill 2 relative to the ring, bringing the lug 306 into the lower part of the vertical groove 25, as shown in [Fig. 9d]. In other words, the user rotates the refill 2 relative to the ring so as to align the pictogram 210 with the downward-pointing arrow pictogram 300 on the ring 30.

[0075] With reference to [Fig.9e], the transition from the upper position to the lower position of the refill 2 is achieved by pressing downwards on the upper part of the refill 2, causing the lug 306 to slide towards the upper part of the vertical groove 25. In this position, the fluid flows from the refill 2 towards the nozzle 31.

[0076] When the user interrupts the pressure exerted on the refill 2, said refill returns to the high position and the lug 306 slides again towards the lower part of the vertical groove 25.

[0077] Once the dose has been applied, the user only has to lock or unlock the refill 2 relative to the ring by rotating the two elements relative to each other until the pictogram 210 is aligned with the pictogram 302 of the ring.

[0078] As explained previously, the applicator 1 can be marketed as a kit. This may include a box comprising an applicator 1 according to the invention including the applicator tip 31 onto which a pre-filled refill 2 is inserted, accompanied by various pre-filled refills closed by means of a lid.

[0079] In another embodiment, the kit contains separately an applicator tip 31 accompanied by pre-filled refills, the user in this case must combine refill 2 and tip 31 at the time of first use.

[0080] The advantages of the invention are clear from the foregoing, in particular the fact of significantly reducing the volume of waste, while ensuring the delivery of a precise dose, without risk to the user of delivering more than he should.

Claims

Demands

1. Applicator (1) comprising: - a refill (2) in the form of a bottle adapted to receive a fluid intended to be applied by dose, the bottle extending into a neck (21), - a flow assembly (3) comprising a ring (30) and an applicator tip (31), characterized in that the neck (21) of the bottle and the ring (30) each have means of cooperation and in that the ring (30) has means of temporary closure, configured so that the refill (2) adopts: - a high position in the ring (30), so as to prohibit the passage of the fluid from the refill (2) to the applicator tip (31), - a low position in the ring (30), so as to allow the passage by gravity of the fluid from the refill (2) to the applicator tip (31), and in that the volume of the applicator tip (31) is shaped to correspond to the volume of a dose of fluid.

2. Applicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooperation means of the neck (21) of the bottle are in the form of at least two horizontal grooves (24) each interrupted by a first vertical groove (27) opening at the free end of the neck (21), each horizontal groove (24) extending, at one of its ends, by a second vertical groove (25) oriented in the opposite direction to that of the first vertical groove (27), and in that the cooperation means of the ring (30) are in the form of at least two lugs (306) positioned on the inner wall of said ring (30).

3. Applicator (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the ring (30) has elastic means capable of moving the vertical grooves (25,27) of the neck (21) relative to the lugs (306), by spring effect.

4. Applicator (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the elastic means are in the form of blades (308) positioned in the ring (30) so as to be in contact with the rim (23) of the neck (21).

5. Applicator (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the temporary sealing means are in the form of a truncated cone (307) whose wall is perforated to allow the passage of fluid in the lower position of the refill (2) into the ring (30), the cone (307) having a small base (3073) and a large base (3074), the large base (3074) being connected to the wall of the ring (30).

6. Applicator (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the neck (21) is provided with a central skirt (28) extending its opening and the wall of the truncated cone (307) has, near its small base (3073), a sealing ring (3070).

7. Applicator (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the wall of the neck of the bottle extends into a peripheral skirt (29) and the large base (3074) of the truncated cone (307) extends radially into an upper cylindrical crown (3071).

8. Applicator (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the upper cylindrical ring (3071) extends at the right side of its wall by a lower cylindrical ring (3072).

9. Applicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the refill (2) has graduations.

10. Applicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the applicator tip (31) has an external surface comprising at least one flexible support area (310).

11. Applicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a cover (4) suitable for covering the applicator tip (31).

12. Kit, characterized in that it separately comprises an applicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and at least one additional refill.

13. Use of the applicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, for the application of skincare, cosmetic, perfume or makeup.

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